Day before yesterday when on a morning Tokyo city tour.  We went up the Tokyo Towers, went to the Meiji Shrine, visited the double bridge at the Imperial Palace, and ended up in Ginza at a Pizza and Pasta place.  Then in the afternoon went to the Children’s castle, which was closed on Tuesday, because it is normally closed on Monday, and Monday was a national holiday, so it was open on monday.  Then went to the UN University next door.  Christopher enjoyed taking pictures with many of the flags from different countries.  Then we went to the hotel and crashed.

Sonia and I had a bit of insomnia because of jet lag, so we watched Astronaut Farmer.  I really liked the movie and recommend it.

Yesterday we went on an all day tour to Mt. Fuji and surrounding areas.  We went up to the 5th station on Mt. Fuji, but it was all cloudy, so we could not see many good views.  We also went on a gondola ride but again it was so cloudy, you could not see anything.  We also went on a 30 minute boat ride on one of the lakes.  It was about a 2 hour trip from the city to the area.  So, we spent most of the day in the bus.

Today we are going to Kidzania with some friends, that should be good.  Tonight I have dinner with my co-workers.

Ok… Ok… you heard about the earth quake and you are wondering if I’m OK?  Well, here in Tokyo we only felt a little tremor.  It lasted only a few seconds and nothing to worry about.  But it was an interesting experience.

trying to convince the family to go to the Tsukiji Fish Market, but they are worried about the smell.  However, I think that boredom will convince them.

Had an interesting morning.  Went to the edges of the Imperial Palace and wondered around Akihabara.  I think I am finally figuring out the subway system.  Taking lots of pictures.  Hope to post some soon.

Planning to do a bus tour tomorrow and maybe go to Mt. Fuji the next day.

Went to McDonalds for breakfast…. I know, not exactly experiencing Japan, but after traveling so much and the jet lag, wanted something safe.

Got a Tokyo Metro Rail day pass.  Went to the Pokemon center, wasn’t open yet, so went to the Currency Museum.  Never made it back to the Pokemon center, because everyone was wet, tired, and hungry.  Went to Taj for lunch.  Stopped by a Puchinco parlor (only for 18 and over, so could not stay long), stopped by the convince store to get milk.  Back at the hotel.

Storm supposed to becoming in a few hours.

No daylight savings time in Japan, so the sun comes up an hour earlier than places with it.  So, the sun is up at 5 AM.  That combined with jet lag mean that we are up at 6:30 all ready to go and explore Japan.  Item #1, find something for breakfast.

Got to go… more later..

The plane finally took off from Houston at 3PM Houston time.  After 12+ hours of flying (was supposed to be 13.5 hours but I guess Continental decided to spend money on fuel to make up the loss time).  Arrived at Narita airport about 6 PM Saturday Japan time.  Went through immigration, went to baggage claim, went to the money exchangers.  Stephen exchanged some money on his own.  Of course Christopher had to do the same.  So, lots of money exchanging.  By the time we got through with that, it was 7PM local time.  Went to get a bus to our hotel, New Otani.  Bus left at 7:45.  While we were waiting, I got a cell phone.  I do not have to pay for incoming calls.  So, if you need to get a hold of me for the next 16 days, you can call:  08034914019.

Finally got to the hotel room by 9:48 PM  Anyway, really exhausted.  But wanted to let you know how the trip was progressing.

www.byki.com/download_FLS.pl?cod=JgGxI1

For the reset of the month, expect for all my posts to touch on Japan in some way.  My family and I are leaving next Friday and will be back on the 30th.  I hope to blog and post lots of pictues while I am there.  So, stay tuned to find out about our adventures!

We have reservations for a very nice hotel, but I saw this ad for short term apartment leases.  There is a possibility that we will be able to get a 2 bedroom apartment with kitchen including stove, refrigrator, microwave.  It also has a washer/dryer.  So, that could be really, really cool!

Anyway, lots of planning and packing to do.

Katakana: ヲ

Romaji: w(o)

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